How Can We Best Honor Our Fallen Soldiers?

Many Americans will observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, flying the American flag, and participating in parades. It’s good to pause our lives and remember the sacrifices of others.

G.K. Chesteron said, “The true soldier fights not because he hates what
is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). We can die for many things, but sacrifices are most noble when done out of love for others.

Maya Angelou wrote, “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and sheroes!” How can we best honor those who sacrificed their lives, so we might live in freedom? Speaking of his impending death, Jesus admonished his followers with these words, “Love one another.” The greatest thing we can do this weekend to honor our fallen soldiers is to love our fellow countrymen. Let’s stop the hateful rhetoric about those with whom we disagree. Let’s use social media to express gratitude and love for our compatriots, regardless of their religion, politics, or ideology. As we bless our meals, let’s express gratitude for the families who lost family members in the military. Let’s mourn the loss of these brave men and women to our society, but also thank God that such heroes lived. When we see a flag, let’s remember we are in this together. America will only be as great as our commitment to love each other.

Rockbridge expresses its gratitude to the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. We pray each of us will use the weekend for reflection and find ways to express our gratitude for those who died for us. God Bless America.